7 Brilliant K-Dramas That Are Not Set In Seoul
Tired of the big city life stories? We got you.
The South Korean TV industry has conquered the world and K-dramas have become one of the most popular forms of entertainment. The secret of their success, we think, is the ability of the showrunners to create unique storylines that no one has ever thought of before.
Most of the dramas are set in Seoul and show us the characters in the heart of the country, living in a very comfortable city.
But there are a lot of K-dramas that are set somewhere else, giving you a glimpse of life that is too different from what you are used to. Here are seven best examples of such.
1. Lawless Lawyer (2018)
The series revolves around Bong Sang Pil, a man who used to be something of a criminal in a lawless fictional city Kisung, but after the tragic death of his mother decided to become a lawyer to seek justice on behalf of his family. He starts investigating people who think they are rich enough to be above the law and all the other rules people live by.
One day he meets Ha Jae Yi, a young and very dedicated lawyer who lost her license after hitting a judge for being unjust. She starts working for Sang Pil, and together they end up investigating the old and powerful judge who seems to have abused his power for too long. But will they be able to change the world and clear it from people like this awful judge?
2. Racket Boys (2021)
Set in a small village in Haenam, Southwest Korea, the show follows a middle school boys' badminton team as they mature both as people and as players. There’s also their coach, Yoon Hyun Jong, a once successful player who is now forced to be a coach to earn at least some money for his family.
When he first started with the team, there seemed to be no way they could succeed in the future, but their will and his skills as a coach made it impossible and they started winning. Meanwhile, his wife started coaching the girls' team, and guess what: they are on top, too.
3. Do Do Sol Sol La La Sol (2020)
This K-drama is set in a fictional town called Eunpo, which is described to be this idyllic and peaceful place where people live in harmony with their body and thoughts. At the center of the story is a young girl Goo Ra Ra, who comes from a rich family and dreams of becoming a popular pianist.
Her life changes for the worse when her father dies and she ends up bankrupt. She decides to go on a road trip when she meets Sun Woo Joon just before she gets into an accident that will change both of their lives soon enough.
4. My Liberation Notes (2022)
In the village of Sanpo there are three Yeom siblings, Chang Hee, Mi Jung and Ki Jung, who do everything they can to come closer to their dream: escape a life of uncertainty.
One day, they meet a mysterious man, Mr. Goo, who is new to the town and seems to have a little too many sectors for the average person living there. When one of the girls decides to approach him, the puzzle begins to unravel.
“I watched it months ago and I’m still thinking about it, it’s truly like nothing else I’ve seen. It’s not just a slice of life drama or an escapist one, it shows life realistically and how tedious it can be. The cinematography, strong characters and meaningful plot makes it worth watching in my opinion,” Redditor Loose_Seaworthines said.
5. Once Upon a Small Town (2022)
The funny and heartwarming series begins with a strange phone call that Han Ji Yool receives from his grandfather. Ji Yool is an animal specialist who lives and works in Seoul, and his grandfather owns a veterinary clinic in a small village.
When Ji Yool receives the phone call, he thinks that something terrible has happened and rushes to the village, only to find out that his grandfather has gone on a Eurotrip and left the grandson in charge.
The series focuses on Ji Yool as he tries to adjust to his new life in a small town with the help of a charming young police officer, Ahn Ja Young.
6. Our Blues (2022)
The series is set on Jeju Island, and fans of K-drama say that the island is basically another main character there. Our Blues is an omnibus drama that tells the story of several characters who are somehow connected to each other. And it's Jeju Island that brings them all together.
Several love stories, the story of success, and an unsolved mystery are all mixed together in this heartwarming series.
7. When The Weather Is Fine (2020)
The K-drama is set in the village of Bookhyun and revolves around a young woman named Hae Won. She is a lost soul who trusts no one and lives her ordinary but dreamy life.
She has always been a romantic, so being active and social is not her favorite thing. She used to live in Seoul but got tired of the hustle and bustle of that life and moved back to the village where she used to live.
One day, she meets Eun Seob, a bookseller who also lives a simple life. But as soon as they get together, their lives begin to change rapidly. But will they be able to adapt?